Hoosiers will soon see more bikes around town this summer, and it's not just because the weather is finally starting to warm up.

Indiana Pacers Bikeshare will expand in late August, adding 23 more stations and 275 bikes throughout Indianapolis. They'll be placed strategically, focusing on the city's pedestrian paths and trails, proximity to public transportation and popular attractions.

The $1.2 million expansion is primarily funded by a federal program, and will also include adding more bikes to existing stations in Fountain Square and at Maryland and Capitol streets.

Currently, Indiana Pacers Bikeshare has 29 stations and 250 bikes.

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Bikes wait to be used in the Indiana Pacers Bikeshare program. A federal grant will allow the program to double in size by the end of 2018.(Photo: Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar file photo)

Kären Haley, executive director for the Indianapolis Cultural Trail that runs the bikeshare, said the expansion was announced last spring. The organization solicited public input about where the stations should go at meetings, farmer's markets, libraries and online.

"It's all about providing people with as many options as we can," Haley said. "We needed to make sure (the stations) were on public property ... and we looked at how they would fit within the larger network of bike share, not just one station as an island."

This meant increasing the footprint along the Monon and Cultural trails, as well as servicing the Broad Ripple area and riders of the future Red Line, which is set to launch Labor Day weekend.

New stations will also be near popular attractions including Newfields (Central Canal Towpath at Art and Nature Park), Riverside Park (Burdsal Parkway and Riverside Drive), Indiana State Fairgrounds (38th Street and Monon Trail), and the YMCA at CityWay (Delaware and South streets).

"We've definitely seen the impact since scooters have come to town," Haley said. "Walk-up users have to make a decision on the spot to use bike share or some other form of transportation. In the past five years, our annual pass holders continue to ride bike share regularly ... even with the introduction of scooters."

Haley said the bike share offers the advantage of healthy exercise. But she also recognizes that the more ways to get around the city, the better.